Culture and Conservation in Panama

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Panama City

Depart from the USA. Upon arrival in Panama City, meet your ACIS Tour Manager, transfer to your hotel and begin to explore this vibrant capital city.

Day 2: Panama City

Following breakfast, your first stop is the Panama Canal's Miraflores Visitor Center, where you'll sit back in an IMAX theatre and enjoy a movie about the fascinating history and construction of this engineering marvel, which changed the face of international trade and economics when it opened in 1914. From the center's observation decks, you can watch ships navigate through the Miraflores locks. After your visit to the Canal, enjoy a boat ride with lunch included on the Gatun Lake, an artificial lake forming part of the Panama Canal that was created by damming the Chagres River during the canal's construction.

Day 3: Panama City

Today's highlight is an immersive cultural exchange at the Emberá Indigenous Village. You'll learn about the history, culture, food and customs of this river-centric tribe, which has lived deep in the Panamanian rainforests for centuries. After an included lunch, you'll return to Panama City and have time to explore the lovely and historic Casco Viejo area at your own pace, perhaps taking in the Panama Canal Museum, admiring the district's Spanish Colonial architecture, or browsing for souvenirs like a classic Panama hat or gorgeous embroidered molas.

Day 4: Chitre

Journey to the Coclé Province and stop at the town of La Pintada, a hidden gem recognized by UNESCO for its intangible cultural heritage. Here you will immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the region by participating in a hands-on Panama hat making workshop with local artisans, learning about the origins of the "real" Panama hat in its birthplace. These ubiquitous, beautiful sombrero pintandos or pinta’os are handwoven with naturally-dyed fibers from local plants and feature intricate dark patterns woven throughout so that they appear painted. Then take a delightful dive into local culinary traditions with a Panamanian cooking lesson and lunch. Later, travel to Chitré, the largest city on the Azuero Peninsula.

Day 5: Chitre

Discover the enchanting area around Chitré, a city renowned for its vibrant creativity and home to the world-famous polleras. Celebrated for their exquisite craftsmanship, these are some of the most beautiful and expensive traditional dresses in the world. Spend the morning engaging in a pollera dress workshop and cultural exchange with a family renowned for their skillful artistry. Your visit will be enriched with an authentic lunch, offering a true taste of Chitré's hospitality and heritage. The rest of the day is yours to explore more at your own pace.

Day 6: Azuero Peninsula

Venture deeper into the captivating Azuero Peninsula this morning. Your destination is a groundbreaking conservation project dedicated to protecting the endemic spider monkey, where you will join forces with local experts who harness the power of cutting-edge scientific research and STEM-guided investigations to help safeguard these fascinating primates. Begin your spider monkey conservation workshop with an engaging lecture that unveils the details of their efforts, followed by a face-to-face introduction with the project’s innovative approaches.

Day 7: Azuero Peninsula

Shift gears slightly today as you immerse yourself further in an environmental conservation service project, engaging in a diverse array of eco-friendly activities that vary with the seasons, each contributing significantly to the region’s biodiversity. Depending on time of year and where the current needs lie, you might find yourself meticulously collecting seeds to preserve native plant species, nurturing saplings in the tree nursery to replenish forests, participating in reforestation efforts by planting young trees, or taking part in crucial sea turtle conservation work during the nesting season. These experiences not only provide invaluable support to local ecosystems but also offer you a comprehensive understanding of Azuero community efforts toward sustainable practices.

Day 8: Panama City

Today you’ll journey back to Panama City, marking a reflective transition after a week of enriching experiences dedicated to preserving the region’s social heritage and fostering sustainability in its lush tropical forests. The evening is yours to explore more at your own pace before coming together for a final dinner.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.